Four people are in custody after a young woman died following an assault in a residential area of Leeds. The suspects, two 18-year-old women, a 20-year-old man, and a 17-year-old boy, were all arrested on suspicion of murder from a nearby address.
They remain in police custody following the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning. A crime scene remains in place on Kennerleigh Avenue in the Austhorpe area while officers from West Yorkshire Police conduct what they have described as an “extremely complex” murder investigation.
A victim yet to be named
Central to the inquiry is the urgent need to identify the victim. Despite extensive inquiries since she was found unconscious at 5.55am on Saturday, March 28, 2026, her identity remains unknown. Police believe she was in her mid to late teens.
Detectives have released a detailed description in the hope someone will recognise her and come forward. She is of slim build, approximately 5ft 2ins tall, with tanned skin, green eyes, and brown hair that has darker roots and blonder ends. A key distinguishing feature is that she has fixed metal braces on both her upper and lower teeth.
The young woman was rushed to hospital with serious injuries but died shortly afterwards. Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Superintendent Marc Bowes stated: “This is an extremely complex investigation where a young woman has sadly lost her life.”
Police appeal for witnesses
As part of their investigation, police are urging anyone with information to make contact. Detective Chief Superintendent Bowes is particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Kennerleigh Avenue in the early hours of Saturday morning, or who may have witnessed any suspicious activity.
West Yorkshire Police have provided multiple channels for information. Witnesses are asked to call 101, use the live chat options on the force’s website, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. The reference for the case is log 280 of 28 March.
The force has also highlighted the availability of support services for anyone affected by crime. Victim Support West Yorkshire offers help regardless of whether an incident has been reported to police, accessible online, by phone on 0300 303 1971, or via text, email, and live chat. They operate from hubs across the county, including in Leeds.
Additionally, the West Yorkshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), The Hazlehurst Centre, provides confidential, round-the-clock support for anyone who has experienced sexual assault on 0330 223 3617.
In a separate and unrelated case from October 2023, two men were arrested on suspicion of murder following a double stabbing in the Harehills area of Leeds.
